As part of strategic move to deepen youth engagement and inclusive governance at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olatunji, today, convened Maiden Oluyole Youth Summit in order to harness raw talents from young minds on inclusive governance.
The summit, which is geared towards direct engagement of youths across the 10 political wards of the council area is aimed at empowering young people intellectually and promoting civic participation.
Held at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat Hall, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, the summit brought together youth representatives, stakeholders, political leaders, community figures, and top government officials at both state and local government levels to deliberate on sustainable pathways for youth inclusion in governance and local development.
Recall that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Oyo state, Otunba Ademola Ojo, during a project commissioning in Oluyole recently, described Olatunji as a replica of governor Seyi Makinde at the grassroots due to the direct impact of his programs and initiatives.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke, who spoke on behalf of the state government at the summit, has also described Olatunji’s youth initiative as aligning perfectly with the governor’s “Poverty to Prosperity” agenda.
She declared that evidence has shown that Oluyole has recorded impressive grassroots development drive across different sectors under the leadership of Asiwaju Olatunji, and called on residents and stakeholders at the event to continue to rally behind the council boss in order to achieve more in line with his mandate.
“From employment, entertainment, education, and agriculture to local leadership, Governor Makinde’s government has deeply invested in youth development.
“As youths, we must harness our relationship energy and intellect to become builders, not bystanders.”
“The executive chairman of Oluyole LG, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji has been an embodiment of the governor’s vision at the grassroots.
“With such an engaging youth summit like this, Asiwaju Olatunji has not only proven to be a blessing to the good people of Oluyole local government alone but a great asset to the Oyo state PDP and a good ambassador of the PDP led administration at both state and LG levels,” the Commissioner stated.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for Oluyole’s continued efforts to develop the next generation of leaders while assuring of an improved and strategic partnership to unlock youth potential at the grassroots.
Also, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, in his address, called on young people regardless of political affiliations in Oluyole LG to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities created by Governor Makinde’s administration.
Prince Falana noted that a tour of strategic locations in Oluyole LG will reveal more of how well and impressive Asiwaju Olatunji has performed since assuming office a little over a year ago.
“The Governor has opened the door and the executive chairman is leading the way all through at the grassroots; it is up to our youths in Oluyole to walk through it.
“The chairman has performed Impressively and tremendously well, help I can see that already the moment I entered Oluyole LG. This is what we call pragmatism and foresight as a leader.
“At the Oyo state youth agency development, we will continue to drive youth focused agenda through policies and programs that center around youths in the state and we will explore all avenues tobcollaborate more with Oluyole LG, Falana said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Olatunji emphasized the importance of bridging the divide between the government and its citizens, particularly the youth.
“The government must be closer to the people, and the people must be closer to the government.
“When we talk about youth engagement, it should transcend partisanship. Every young person in Oluyole must be included if we are to mirror the impactful governance of the Oyo State Government.
“And we’re very proud not only as the ruling party but as a government under the leadership of our own leader, mentor, and pride; Governor Seyi Makinde, but his political disciples driving his vision at the grassroots,”
He further praised Governor Makinde for his unrelenting commitment to youth inclusion through initiatives such as the Not-Too-Young-To-Run law, which has enabled younger individuals to assume leadership positions across Oyo State.
Encouraging the youth to take a step beyond social media activism, Olatunji urged participants to join political structures as a way of translating ambition into action.
Olatunji however, highlighted several key projects and initiatives delivered under his administration, demonstrating a commitment to infrastructural renewal and social development including
rehabilitation of the Customary Court at the Council Secretariat, reconstruction of a block of seven offices, renovation of security building, and re-electrification of the Council Secretariat.
Other projects include revamping of the council’s 150 KVA Generator supplying electricity to the LG Secretariat and its environs, povision of boreholes, scholarships for 200 Oluyole-origin students at Aries Polytechnic, Ibadan,
vocational and empowerment training for 1,000 residents, and reconstruction of LG Headquarters entrance and revamping of the perimeter fence among others.
Olatunji also pledged a major renovation of the LG Secretariat Hall to meet modern standards with ultra modern facilities.
Delivering his keynote titled “Youth Governance: Shaping Our Nation,” Hon. Victor Dideoluwa Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, encouraged youths to be proactive in governance.
“A nation that fails to empower its youth is setting itself up for stagnation. Join political structures. Be a solution provider. Make your ambition count for your community, your state, and your country,” Olojede pleaded.
Baale Oleyo, Chief Kabiru Olajide, praised both Governor Makinde and Olatunji for their visionary leadership, especially in empowering young people and improving critical public infrastructure.
Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola, PDP chairman in Oluyole LG, in his goodwill message described Olatunji as “an answer to a special prayer” maintaining that Oluyole has never witnessed the level of what he called “party cohesion and inclusive governance” before.
He called on party leaders at all levels to use their offices as a rallying point to encourage youths and young politicians to join the party stressing the adverse implication of disunity and anti party activities among members.
Present at the summit were Hon. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary in Oyo state, Alhaji Waheed Afobaje, Chairman, Oyo State RUWASA, Comrade Tunde Akinola, Former SA to the Governor on Labour Matters, Hon. Sola Latinwo, and Oluyole PDP Youth Leader.
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